Ravija Sandaruwan
Clinto Anto
Meet Bhavsar✱
Mohammed Aslam
Bilal Tahir
Shiraz Khan
Muhammad Ikramullah
Mirza Mohammed Baig
Mujeeb Ur Rehman
Owais Ahmed
Muhammad Asim
Zubair Ali✱
Shahzeb Afridi
Imal Liyanage
Zeeshan Haider
Muhammad Aqif Farooq
Yasin Patel
Anudeep Chenthamara
In a pulsating encounter at Ruaraka Sports Club Ground, the most dramatic moment came in the 38th over when Shahzeb Afridi unleashed a six‑run onslaught, propelling Qatar from a precarious 180‑4 to a commanding position. The crowd erupted as the Qatari batsman raced to a swift century, sealing a five‑wicket win over Kuwait in the Men's CWC Challenge League A 2024-26.
Match Summary
Kuwait won the toss and elected to bat under hazy sunshine, with humidity at 35% and temperature hovering around 32.7 °C. The home side posted a formidable total of 331‑6 in 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant 120‑run knock from Meet Bhavsar, who struck at a healthy strike‑rate of 113.2. Supporting contributions from Ravija Sandaruwan (46 off 53) and Clinto Anto (42 off 47) ensured a solid platform, while Mirza Mohammed Baig claimed 1 for 53 in seven overs.
Chasing 332, Qatar got off to a steady start before the breakthrough came from Zubair Ali’s elegant 100‑run innings, anchoring the chase at 180‑4. The momentum shifted dramatically when Shahzeb Afridi arrived at the crease, smashing 105 runs off just 57 balls, including 12 fours and 6 sixes. Imal Liyanage added a quick 21 off 26 to finish the innings at 335‑5 in 45.3 overs, handing Qatar a narrow but decisive victory.
The match highlighted the competitive spirit of the Kuwait vs Qatar List A Thur fixture, with both teams showcasing depth in batting and disciplined bowling. The final Kuwait List A score of 331‑6 set a high bar, but Qatar’s chase demonstrated why they are a rising force in associate cricket.
Key Performances
Shahzeb Afridi (Qatar) – 105 off 57 balls (SR 184.2). His aggressive strokeplay turned the tide, delivering six fours and six sixes, and earning him Player of the Match honors.
Zubair Ali (Qatar) – 100 off 101 balls (SR 99.0). A composed century that steadied the innings after early wickets fell.
Meet Bhavsar (Kuwait) – 120 off 106 balls (SR 113.2). The standout for Kuwait, his innings kept the hosts in the game despite the eventual loss.
Ravija Sandaruwan (Kuwait) – 46 off 53 balls, and Clinto Anto (Kuwait) – 42 off 47 balls, both provided valuable middle‑order runs.
On the bowling front, Mirza Mohammed Baig (Kuwait) took 1 for 53, while Qatar’s bowlers shared the wickets, with none taking more than two.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived when Qatar lost their third wicket at 150‑3; Zubair Ali’s calm 100‑run partnership with the lower order steadied the chase. The second, and decisive, moment unfolded when Afridi struck a rapid 30 runs in just three overs (overs 37‑39), including a towering six that sent the crowd into a frenzy. This burst reduced the required run rate dramatically and forced Kuwait into a defensive field.
Additionally, a dropped catch at deep mid‑wicket in the 39th over allowed Afridi to continue his onslaught, a moment that could have altered the outcome had it been taken.
Series Implications
With this win, Qatar moves ahead in the Men's CWC Challenge League A 2024-26 standings, tightening the race for the top two spots that guarantee promotion to the World Cup Qualifier. Kuwait, despite the loss, remains in contention thanks to a strong batting display and will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
The result also adds a fresh chapter to the head‑to‑head record, now standing at Qatar 2 wins versus Kuwait 2 wins, highlighting the evenly matched rivalry. Fans searching for "Qatar cricket today" will find this match a prime example of the excitement in associate cricket, while those tracking the Men's CWC Challenge League A 2024-26 live score can see how the standings shift after this thriller.
Overall, the match delivered high‑octane cricket, with both teams offering a glimpse of their potential on the international stage. The next round of games promises more drama as the race for World Cup qualification intensifies.